Andy Roark, DVM, MS, shares an experience and perspectives with a veterinary technician working in a challenging practice environment. Source: Dr. Andy Roark, August, 4, 2016. That’s why the goal in life should never be to overcome all obstacles, but rather to recognize which obstacles should be overcome, and which ones you should just turn and walk away from. We have three … [Read more...]
Canine carrier crash testing
The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) tested crates and small-dog carriers. Some have been sold as crash-tested, even though you can see from CPS’s videos that the products clearly could not have PASSED any crash test. Source: Whole Dog Journal, July 27, 2017. Only one crate for large dogs survived the crash tests intact, and only a few carriers for small dogs kept the small-dog … [Read more...]
Editorial – Seek clarity before condemning meat
“Is meat good for you?” continues to be a significant part of nutritional research. While moms still promote eating vegetables, modern media personnel have forgotten how to read research reports in their entirety. The result is that meat frequently gets condemned. Dan Murphy, a veteran food-industry journalist and commentator exposes the fallacies in much of the reporting … [Read more...]
Dry first. Then wash clothes to kill ticks.
Put the clothes in the dryer on high heat for six minutes to kill ticks on clothing, then wash if the clothes are dirty. Why? Ticks love water. In a recent study, 94 percent of ticks survived cold-water washes and 50 percent survived hot-water washes. Once the clothes were wet, it took 70 minutes to kill the tick in the dryers on low heat and 50 minutes in dryers on high … [Read more...]
Exploring the equine biome
Researchers are working to better understand the role of various species of microorganisms throughout the equine intestinal system. The collective groups of microbes, their genomes and how they interact is referred to as the microbiome. Source: The Horse, August 2016, page 26. Studying the equine intestinal microbiome is important because horses are hindgut fermenters," … [Read more...]
Reduce fear aggression in dogs
Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, discusses dog aggression in the context of fear. She shares ways to reduce a dog’s fear and adjust the resulting aggressive behavior. Fear related aggression frequently appears as a young dog matures, between eight and 18 months. These behaviors get unwittingly reinforced as humans (the most common scary stimulus) back off. Source: Whole Dog … [Read more...]
Canadian wood bison reproduced in vitro
Four wood bison calves were born at the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine’s Native Hoofstock Center in July. Three of the calves were born using in vitro fertilization. The fourth calf was produced from a frozen embryo that was taken from a bison cow in 2012 and transferred to a surrogate mother in 2015. Both are reproductive firsts for the bison … [Read more...]
Minimize distractions
The Mind Tools editorial team offers the 10 most common distractions faced at work and examines strategies for managing or eliminating them. Implementing these measures should mean that you, and your team members, get more done. Source: Mind Tools, August 2, 2016 via newsletter. Dr. Gloria Mark, Professor of Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, says that … [Read more...]
Finding a rhythm at work
Rhythm on a monthly, weekly and daily basis can create the order and flexibility you need for your work and time to flow in harmony. Elizabeth Grace Saunders suggests, “it’s time to discover your cadence.” This piece will appeal to those of us who are challenged with time management, energy management and juggling of priorities. Source: Harvard Business Review, April 14, … [Read more...]
AJVR – research continues
I often wish consumers could understand the amount of research that goes into keeping animals healthy. This issue of the American Journal of Veterinary Research is a reflection of our industry’s commitments to discovery and understanding. Source: AJVR, August 2016 (Vol 77; No. 8: pp. 792-912). (Link to table of contents only) … [Read more...]
New from JAVMA
The latest issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association is linked below. Source: JAVMA, August 1, 2016 (Vol 249; No. 3: pp. 246-324). Learn “What’s in this issue” including an insightful send-off for AVMA executive vice president and CEO, Ron DeHaven as he retires. INSIGHTS: Congratulations to Dr. Ron DeHaven who will end his responsibilities on … [Read more...]
Combat chronic stress with breathing
Media sources are full of articles these days about suicide in the veterinary profession. Intense experiences are commonplace and stress is inevitable. But, with awareness and a little skill, its negative impacts are not. The authors share perspective and outline a technique called intentional breathing. Directed at those in leadership positions, we recognize that all animal … [Read more...]
Beef bacon alternative growing
Bacon! Schmacon! “Schmacon is delicious and different than anything else on the market,” shared Howard Bender, owner of Schmaltz Deli in Naperville, Ill. “It has about half the calories and half the fat, and it tastes great.” The beef bacon product was launched in 2015 and comes from the underbelly of cattle. Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, July 24, 2016. It is a new way for … [Read more...]
The routine exam video
Videos help set expectations for clients and educate new staff members. Consider this one for websites, blogs and newsletters. Link to it for new clients coming to your practice or use it during school or group presentations. Source: AVMA SmartBrief, July 27, 2016. Preventive care visits are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. But what does a … [Read more...]
Scheduling secrets for veterinary receptionists
Wendy Myers shares tips about getting control of hospital scheduling. Effective scheduling techniques improve patient care, hospital revenue and client satisfaction. Reclaiming control of your appointments will also boost employee morale, she says. Source: Veterinary Practice News, July 12, 2016. Get your practice's schedule under control with these tips: Ask questions … [Read more...]
Research results, nothing to spit at
You just have to love our industry! Researchers recently shared the results of a meta-analysis to establish a reference range for dog salivary cortisol and to explore the relationship between cortisol and a variety of dog, experimental and environmental parameters. Source: Scientific American, July 27, 2016. (via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, July 29, 2016) This … [Read more...]
Wisconsin: strong in milk cows, stronger in milk goats
The growth in Wisconsin (as well as California, which is No. 2 in goat and sheep milk sales) is due to both existing infrastructure and growing appreciation for goat milk. In the U.S., chefs are using it more frequently, consumers are seeking out its unique taste. Growing immigrant populations from places like East Africa and Latin America are looking for the familiar products, … [Read more...]
Vaccines and pets: What clients need to know
Richard Ford, DVM, MS, DACVIM, DACVPM (Hon.), explains the importance of vaccination, addresses the challenges of over-vaccination and the resulting compliance difficulties. Source: AAHA Pets Matter, July 29, 2016. The core vaccines are the really, really important ones because the diseases that are prevented by the core vaccines are really serious diseases and they can … [Read more...]
Vaccination courses from Vetfolio fit with National Immunization Awareness Month
Vaccine topics are available at VetFolio as the CDC launches the National Immunization Awareness Month for humans. Source: VetFolio "In the Know," July 30, 2016. The veterinary healthcare team is the most vital link in dogs and cats getting the protection they need. Make the most of National Immunization Awareness Month by reinforcing the critical importance of protecting … [Read more...]
Renegotiate P & L expense agreements
Andrew Clark, DVM, MBA, uses insurance expense to illustrate action steps when managing some of the expenses on your balance sheet. He reminds us that getting competitive comparisons regularly is important. Source: Is My Practice Healthy, July 29, 2016. Veterinarians tend to be as loyal to vendors as we wish our clients were loyal to us. Insurance coverage is often provided … [Read more...]
Overview: AAEP Equine Veterinary Journal (EVE)
We received the printed July issue of EVE this week. Review the table of contents for this journal of the AAEP to determine if any of the studies are relevant to your work. Source: Equine Veterinary Education (EVE), July 2016, Volume 48, Issue 4. (partial link). Equine veterinary teams will find value in this article: Equine tapeworm infections: Disease, diagnosis and … [Read more...]
Staph: old problem, new threat
Staphylococcal infections have gained national media attention recently because of growing resistance to antibiotics. This lecture reviews the basics of staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs and cats. Resistance mechanisms are also discussed. Source: VetFolio, July 26, 2016. Broadcast Dates: August 1 - 14, 2016 (On Demand). Suggestions regarding how to answer your clients’ most … [Read more...]
Henry Schein leader shares global perspectives
Peter McCarthy oversees Henry Schein’s global animal health business. He shares perspectives about global commonalities, market shifts, alternative sources and corporatization. Source: Vet Advantage, July 2016, page 22. …the veterinarian running his/her practice has an increasing interest in what’s happening around the world, how consumers are looking after their animals … [Read more...]
Basic care videos are great educational tools
These client-friendly posts can be used as educational tools and for social media postings. We enjoyed the brushing and the nail trimming videos shared in this collection. Source: Veterinary Team Brief, July 2016. Many clients wanted to be veterinary team members at one time. Post behind the scenes content and satisfy their curiosity as vet-voyeurs. INSIGHTS: Sales … [Read more...]
Stretching benefits horse health
Jessica McLoughlin, registered equine massage therapist, shares stretching techniques that help horses stay in. This is great information to share with youth groups and horse owners. Source: Equine Wellness Magazine, July 20, 2016. Stretching is free! With everything costing so much these days, this versatile tool gives your pocketbook a welcome break. Stretching can and … [Read more...]
Do you know these youth leaders?
American Quarter Horse Youth Association regional directors and five national officers for the 2016-17 term were elected July 14 at the Bank of America Youth Excellence Seminar in Amarillo. See if one of these youths is a customer. If so, drop them a note or call with congratulations. Source: America’s Horse Weekly, July 18, 2016. Throughout the year, the officers and … [Read more...]
When veterinary clients spend the most—and the least
Dr. Ross Knippenberg, assistant director of economics with the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the association's economics intern Sean Barker have completed a deep dive into seasonality and client spending in veterinary clinics. They confirm that business is slowest in the winter. Their analysis quantifies this effect and shows what the national average looks … [Read more...]
The Veterinary Cooperative joins AHD Founders Circle
The Animal Health Digest team welcomes The Veterinary Cooperative to our Founders Circle group of companies. These companies support AHD, help grow our subscriber base and increase the value of AHD to subscribers and sponsors alike. Source: Animal Health Digest, July 18, 2016. The Veterinary Cooperative joins AAHA, Veterinary Study Groups, Inc., RPR Company and Forays Inc. … [Read more...]
Drug abuse and addiction in the veterinary workplace
Jon Geller, DVM, DABVP, writes about this serious issue in veterinary medicine. He cites veterinary team access to a large variety of mind-altering, potentially addictive drugs, including controlled and non-controlled substances. He also notes light or non-existent drug testing, light inventory access and control, and inconsistent employee assistance programs for substance … [Read more...]
Extensive horse health article library updated
The AAEP website has an extensive library of horse health related articles written by AAEP veterinarians. These articles are now updated and can be used for personal review and for customer education via websites, newsletters and blog posts. Veterinary teams can take five minutes during a staff meeting to review the information and help in-clinic staff understand its … [Read more...]